Area Codes

Summary

Until 1997, Pennsylvania had four area codes – 814 (northwest), 412 (Pittsburgh area), 717 (central) and 215 (Philadelphia). With the increased use of cell phones and consumers purchasing additional lines in their homes, the demand for additional telephone lines exploded. This demand put the four area codes in Pennsylvania in jeopardy.

Since then, five more were added from 1997 through 2000: 724 in greater Pittsburgh, 570 in Northeastern Pa., and 610, 484 and 267 in Southeastern Pa. In 2001, another code was activated in the greater Pittsburgh area (878). Over the succeeding years, conservation measures implemented by the Commission and the FCC delayed additional area exhaustions until 2013 when the 272 area code was added to portions of the state.

On Oct. 27, 2016, the Commission approved an implementation plan establishing a new “overlay” area code for the 717 Number Planning Area (NPA), which covers all or part of 16 counties in Central Pennsylvania. Mandatory 10-digit dialing becomes effective on Aug. 26, 2017 for the 717 service area, and numbers for the new “223” overlay will become available after Sept. 26, 2017.

Thousands-Block Pooling

Mandatory thousands-block pooling began in June 2010. The industry, NANPA and the Commission monitor the area codes to determine if or when relief will be needed. Pooling uses telephone numbers more efficiently while ultimately delaying the need to add new area codes in the future.

Conserving Area Codes

Area Code Conservation
Over the past several years, the PUC has instituted several numbering conservation efforts to slow the proliferation of area codes in Pennsylvania, including pooling and NXX code and thousands-block reclamation.

Current Status of Area Codes

Northwestern Pennsylvania
814 region - The area code stretches from Erie to Johnstown to Breezewood, State College and Potter County.

Central Pennsylvania
717 and 223 region - The 717 and 223 area codes cover a 16-county region across central Pennsylvania, stretching from Lancaster and Harrisburg, to York and Fulton County.

Western Pennsylvania
412, 724 and 878 region - The 412 area code is primarily located in Pittsburgh and 724 covers the suburbs of Pittsburgh. The 878 area code is an overlay that covers both the 412 and 724 regions.